Best Campgrounds near Carlsbad Caverns, NM

We really enjoyed this spot! We arrived in a small Subaru and the road got pretty rough and rocky quick, so we could only make it up to the second site. Even so, it was still far enough from the road and other sites that we did not hear any noise from traffic or other campers. Easy, safe feeling place to stop for the night.

If you are not from the desert like us, be warned - the desert wind in March is COLD and POWERFUL! We couldn't set up our tent because of it and ended up sleeping in the car for the night we were here.

There is quite a bit of space so we were able to spread out. Just outside of the official campground there’s plenty of blm land to camp on as well. The stars were stunning.

Worth noting: We came in late at night and missed the turn off for this campground a few times before finding it. Watch out for cacti as they can sneak up on you. It is also worth noting that it’s a byotp situation with the bathroom.

Nice, easy to get to, large lot for parking/RV campers. I parked my car and car camped here while visiting Guadeloupe Mountains, it was a nice quiet spot even though it was pretty busy. There were firepits i believe, not sure if there were porta potties or not.

Very large open lot with large bin for trash collection. It’s easy to drive in/out off a main paved road.

We arrived late at night, so we couldn’t see the surrounding area. The road is a bit rough, but driving slowly should be fine in a car. The wind kept us cool overnight.

Visited in Feb. Very close to Carlsbad Caverns. Definitely go slow going up unless you have a higher rig (I'm in a jeep) lots of large rocks but the view is worth it. A few other rigs but you all kind of have your own spot. Super windy at night which was nice with the heat.

Close to both National Parks.

Drove back far enough so it's quiet without the noise from hwy 62. Great cell coverage! Maybe 3 others campers in a big space.

This was by far one of my favorite spots and it's free. Just like a National park site. Just a pit toilet. No water. Beautiful spot sunset, sunrise and stars. I stayed one night when going to Carlsbad Caverns NP. Then went to Guadalupe Mountains NP.

GUMO has tent camping with more typical sites. Water and pits toilets. RV camping sites are in a medium sized parking lot. Sites 21-25 have picnic tables. No fires

We moved from our free dispersed campsite to fill up, charge up, shower and do laundry. Very friendly staff and clean facilities. It appears to be heavily used during peak season at Carlsbad Caverns. We treated ourselves to a delicious burger at the Cactus Cafe after our last tour the the caverns.

We stayed three nights for free while hiking and exploring Guadalupe Mountain NP and Carlsbad Caverns NP. Plenty of space and a room to let the dog explore. Close to both parks. Even in January the spots stayed full but there is lots of room around the parameter. We preferred those spots as it kept more distance from the other campers.

Perfect and quiet open space in the desert with an amazing view of the Guadalupe mountains.

Several level Gravel sites with covered picnic table. Pit toilets. OHV access point so it can be noisy. This time not too bad just a small group of rvs group together. Last time it was empty. 14 day limit

We headed past the open campsite, first dirt road on the right then veered left and ended up at a fire ring site. It was quiet and we were far enough from the road that the cars were not a bother. Unfortunately it was extremely windy that night and we had to close up our rooftop tent and sleeping the truck. But overall site was lovely.

Large open area with washed out hills. Access was easy but the road back does have issues because of gully wash. It was lightly raining when I arrived and I did a bit of a walkabout before it got dark. Many flat spots to choose from. Ground is a white flaky soil. But saw no problems with sinking into it. Might be a different story if there is a hard rain.

I car camped here on the tent grounds, where sites are FCFS with grass and gravel options, some with awnings/tables/campfires/etc. Pretty views and near Carlsbad, CCNP, and GMNP; however, bathhouses were lacking shower curtains and toilet stalls didn’t have proper doors. Prices were steep, considering this.